Saint James Way Self-Guided Bike Tour - Cycle the Camino de Santiago from Leon
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
Self-Guided Camino by bike
7 Days / 6 Nights
Leon
Price from: 1210.00 euros
- Bike along gorgeous trails through ancient oak forests
- Try the delicious cuisine of both Castile-Leon and Galicia
HomeGeneral Overview
- Product ID: 3069
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Introduction
This is the best of self-guided bike tours for any bicyclist wanting a taste of the traditions and history of the Camino de Santiago. For centuries, it has been used by pilgrims. One needs no religious beliefs, just curiosity and the wish to learn. On the route, the pilgrims are united by their course.
Listed as the main European Cultural Itinerary and scattered with delightful monuments such as old pilgrims` hospitals in Leon and Santiago de Compostela, we are constantly reminded that this route is the oldest, most celebrated and most frequented in Europe. It crosses the north of Spain beginning from the Pyrenees and provides views of breathtaking landscapes in the following regions of Navarra, Castile and Leon and Galicia, ancient monuments and most typical villages and cities from Pamplona to Burgos, Leon and to Santiago.
Your accommodations are charming 3 & 4 star hotels of the the highest quality and a few state-run Paradores on the bicycle route, two very luxurious hotels of superior quality with a special charm.
Savor the best of Spanish cuisine, traditional to the regions and accompanied by excellent wines from La Rioja and Ribera del Duero regions. Your luggage will be transported from hotel to hotel.
You will get to know Spain´s most spectacular landscapes, historical monuments and charming villages pedaling on a bike!
Day by day itinerary
DAY 1:
LEON
- This tour starts in Leon: To get to Leon you can take a train from Madrid or we can arrange a transfer for you. (please get in touch with one of our travel specialists.)
- Upon arrival in Leon you will receive all the material required for your journey at the first hotel. This includes a complete package of detailed documentation with maps, a road book and your touring bike with all accessories.
- Overnight in Leon
DAY 2:
LEON - ASTORGA
48.1k & +431m elevation
- This ride traverses classic Castilian landscapes, complete with holm oaks, golden wheat fields and moderate rolling hills. It’s hard to get lost: the route never strays far from the N120 highway. The scenery along the first half of the route is relatively dry, but gets greener the further west you go. You’ll cross fields full of diverse crops, such as wheat, corn, hops and wine grapes. Wildlife isn’t a big feature of this first part of the trip, though you will see geckos, various birds species and a lot of dairy cows!
- Astorga is home to three national monuments and one of the best Romanesque facades.
- Overnight in Astorga
B
DAY 3:
ASTORGA - VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO
78.8km & +1142m elevation
- From Astorga, the Camino starts to climb mildly until it meets the first mountain crossing. Once you’ve reached the top of Foncebadón, take it easy and enjoy the sweeping downhill ride with gorgeous views of wine vineyards on either side as you head towards Villafranca.
- The town of Villafranca del Bierzo is was originally founded to give refuge and sanctuary to the pilgrims before initiating the most difficult part of their pilgrimage. The monastery cloister is a Renaissance jewel.
- Overnight in Villafranca.
B
DAY 4:
VILLAFRANCA DEL BIERZO - PORTOMARIN
56km with taxi or 97.7km & +739m elevation with taxi or 2156m
- Get ready for the most challenging day. From Villafranca the ride heads slowly towards the famed O’Cebreiro stage, the most demanding peak along the western section of the Camino.
- With a little patience it’s more than possible to reach the top. Yet, there are always taxis available to avoid it. Then it’s downhill all the way to Sarria, and onward via a rolling route to Portomarín.
- The older neighborhoods of the town once belonged to the Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, but now lie submerged, covered by the waters of the Miño River dam.
- Overnight in Portomarin
B
DAY 5:
PORTOMARIN- ARZUA
54.4km & +1012m elevation
- Even though the mountain climbs have finished and you gradually loose altitude, the rolling Galician hillside might make you think otherwise. This ride follows the Camino for 55 kilometers (with an optional side trip to a 700 year-old castle) through Galicia’s beautiful countryside.
- Pilgrams get to visit the Celtic heart of Spain during this stage. At some points, you will have the chance to choose between cycling on minor roads with other pilgrims or on nice trails.
- You will cycle through small towns such as, Melide, which is known for its specialty – Galician octopus. You’ll have to try it!
- Overnight in Arzua
B
DAY 6:
ARZUA - SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
40km& +647m elevation
- Don’t let the kilometers fool you. Although the final stage is short, it can be a bit tough. After approximately four hours of riding, cyclists arrive at the Pórtico de la Gloria (“The Façade of Glory”) at the Cathedral of Santiago.
- After taking a breath and celebrating with others arriving by foot and on horseback, you can visit the Pilgrims’ Office where you can obtain the “Compostela” the document certifying you as an official pilgrim (good for John Wayne jokes in the future!). Accommodation is centrally located, giving you the opportunity to explore the streets and bars of the quaint historic center after dark.
- This city, without a doubt, is the most important of the Christian Middle Ages. It is world-renowned and each year thousands of travelers come to visit.
- Overnight in Santiago de Compostela
B
DAY 7:
SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELA
- Rest your legs and bask in the glory as you reflect on a truly memorable journey. This is the final day of the tour.
- Transfer back to Madrid not included (Check Extra pricing options to add it) or get in touch with one of our specialists to add an extra night in Santiago.
B
END OF TOUR SERVICES
Included
- 6 night accommodation in renovated historic 3/4 & 5* hotels and Paradores
- Buffet breakfasts
- Detailed road book and maps
- Optional taxi transfer from Villafranca to O´Cebreiro on day 4
- Daily luggage transfers between all hotels (one piece of luggage per person)
- Local taxes
Excluded
- Lunches and dinners
- Airfare
Pick up
- Leon
Drop off
- Santiago de Compostela
Cancellation policy
- Please refer to our General Terms & Conditions for full details as to cancellation penalties, etc...
Lodging
- 1 night (Leon): Hotel Real Colegiata de San Isidoro 4*
- 1 night (Astorga): Hotel Via de la Plata 4*
- 1 night (Villafranca del Bierzo): Parador de Villafranca 4*
- 1 night (Portomarín): Vistalegre Hotel Spa 3*
- 1 night (Arzúa): Hotel Pazo Santa Maria 4*
- 1 night (Santiago de Compostela): Parador de Santiago 5*
Transport
- Specialized SIRRUS Hybrid Bike